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The world is under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”